Carry On Bag

Geezer

Geezer

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First let me say that to call me a novice air traveler would be a yuge understatement. The first time I flew was in January 1971 on my way to basic training in Fort Polk, LA.

Then the next time was in the fall of 2010 when I flew to Tampa for my work. I went unarmed and only had a carry on bag since it was only a 3 day trip. Myrtle Beach to Atlanta to Tampa, no problems. Tampa to Charlotte to Myrtle Beach, no problems. Of course I found Charlotte a lot less busy and more user friendly.

In a couple of weeks I'm flying to Texas for a week. I'm leaving out of Myrtle Beach to Charlotte to Houston and the route is reversed on the way back. I plan to check a bag with a firearm and I have studied all the rules and regulations nearly every day since I bought my ticket back in March. I'm pretty sure that I have my stuff together with the checked bag.

In a carry on bag I'll have toiletries, a change of clothes or two, medication, phone charger, just must have stuff in case my checked bag gets lost or misdirected. And since my knee has been bothering me lately, I plan on taking my cane with me, just in case. I have a Bass Pro boat bag that is well under the size requirements for carry on and it is a well made bag that has been on many motorcycle trips. But, I'm starting to wonder if maybe a backpack would be a better idea. A backpack would free up my hands for the checked bag and the cane. But, I can put the boat bag on top of the checked bag while I'm wheeling it around in and out of the airports.

What do you seasoned flyers use for carry on bags? Am I overthinking this since I have flown so little?

Here is the boat bag that I have.

boat_bag.jpg
 
Not a regular flyer, but have done my fair share (couple flights per year) - backpack.
Its not just about once you get your checked bag (and your cane), but even waiting in line, getting on and off the plane etc - I'd rather have my hands freed up and not have to physically hold a bag weighing 20lbs or whatever for the time it takes to board and get off of a plane.

I tried a messenger a few years back - NOPE, not again. Backpack is way better.

Just my opinion.
 
I prefer a backpack when am sentenced to fly (I use to not mind but now ...) because it is easier to move thrunthe airport, especially if you have to make connections 1/2 mile away on the next concourse. I have a Maxpedtion Mosoon Gearslinger that I use for a bunch of other stuff besides a flight bag. I make sure EVERYTHING is out of all the pockets before I start packing it ... no loose ammo, spent casings, tools, etc! Pack it and keep the stuff I need quick (ticket, passport, etc) in the outer ZIPPED pocket. The thing though is you have a good bag that will do but if you buy a new backpack will you get the use out of it to justify the price? Is a little more convince worth the price especially if you are not going to really use the pack that much besides the flight?
 
Look at the "Adventure Duffle" by LL Bean. They have several sizes. I have the small and medium sizes and use them all the time. The Medium will hold a ton of items and can be used as a Carry-On; have done so a lot and never had any issues. I put under the seat in front of me if not packed too heavily; otherwise will go in overhead compartment. They run about $45 and are practically indestructible. I have flown with it for a few days, overnight trips, etc.
 
I like the Bass Pro bag because it'd be easy to keep an eye on! I usually carry a laptop case/ messenger bag on board, then check or gate-check anything else. My suitcase has the usual extendable handle and wheels, so I can use it as a hand truck for other stuff. Other than the suitcase, everything else has a shoulder strap for easy (-ier) handling.
 
Burt Gummer said:
You need a fanny pack
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I don't even have a fanny.

HMP said:
I'd rather have my hands freed up and not have to physically hold a bag weighing 20lbs or whatever for the time it takes to board and get off of a plane.
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That's a good idea and I've thought of that. Just in case I have to go Chuck Norris on someone with my cane.

NCFubar said:
The thing though is you have a good bag that will do but if you buy a new backpack will you get the use out of it to justify the price? Is a little more convince worth the price especially if you are not going to really use the pack that much besides the flight?
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This right here. I've gone this long without a backpack and I doubt I'd ever use it again. This trip will be the last one like this that I'll ever take and I want to make it go as smoothly as possible. I don't mind spending for a backpack if it will help things go along more smoothly.

Windini said:
I like the Bass Pro bag because it'd be easy to keep an eye on! I usually carry a laptop case/ messenger bag on board, then check or gate-check anything else. My suitcase has the usual extendable handle and wheels, so I can use it as a hand truck for other stuff. Other than the suitcase, everything else has a shoulder strap for easy (-ier) handling.
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Yes, that yellow does stand out. And I can slide the handles over the handle on the checked bag for wheeling it around. I do have a shoulder strap for the boat bag, too.

Thanks, @Took , I'm going to check out that LL Ban bag.
 
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I'm all about a bag with wheels... Forget holding a bag and putting it down/picking it up constantly. My current carry on is an orange Coleman Ration hardside. Easy to pick out of a crowd, solid, well compartmentalized, and pretty much guaranteed to be legit for any airline. With 8 wheels on 4 casters, it glides along beside me effortlessly through the airport or down the street before and after. I use a backpack as a personal item for overflow luggage on longer trips. I don't like to check anything unless I have no choice.
 
I'm gone for 2-5 days a week. This is way overkill but by my favorite bag to take.

Briggs and Riley - international carry-on widebody.

u121cxw-7f_2.jpg
 
wsfiredude said:
Oh...that's nice, Mr. Big Shot Fancy Pants
:D
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Close to 6 years and still looks brand new. It's built like a tank and lifetime warranty... I have way too many bags upstairs not getting used since buying that bag. The cheapies usually lasted about a year if I was lucky.
 
I fly 1-2x/mo and prefer a carry-on sized Tumi roller and an Ogio backpack that can slip over the roller's handle.
Btw I've had the same Ogio backpack for 10yr and it's finally time to replace it!
 
wsfiredude said:
You get whatcha pay for, that's for certain.
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Very true
For my backpack of choice - Camelbak Urban Assault XL

Well worth the 120 I spent on it. Ive taken it on a dozen or so vacations. Carried it for years through college. No signs of wear yet, we're around 7 years so far.
Its just a fantastic bag. Even when full it rides well, doesnt hurt your shoulders etc.
And its plain - nothing really stands out about it. No big logos, no molle or anything like that. Just a plain bag.

https://www.amazon.com/Camelbak-Adult-Assault-Hydration-Backpack/dp/B017MGP7NO
 
bigfelipe said:
I'm all about a bag with wheels... Forget holding a bag and putting it down/picking it up constantly. My current carry on is an orange Coleman Ration hardside. Easy to pick out of a crowd, solid, well compartmentalized, and pretty much guaranteed to be legit for any airline. With 8 wheels on 4 casters, it glides along beside me effortlessly through the airport or down the street before and after. I use a backpack as a personal item for overflow luggage on longer trips. I don't like to check anything unless I have no choice.
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+1

Why carry when you can roll? Airport travel means potentially long lines and long distances. Unless you're looking to double up the travel with exercise, in general, wheels rule.

BurnedOutGeek said:
I'm gone for 2-5 days a week. This is way overkill but by my favorite bag to take.
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^^^ Take it from this guy. It will be the rare very frequent traveler who is using a backpack or duffel instead of a roller.

@Geezer, since you're checking in a wheeled bag, unless the carry on is fairly heavy (avoid the temptation to stuff it to the gills), I'd just stick with what you have rather than buying another carry-on bag just for this trip.
 
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drypowder said:
@Geezer, since you're checking in a wheeled bag, unless the carry on is fairly heavy (avoid the temptation to stuff it to the gills), I'd just stick with what you have rather than buying another carry-on bag just for this trip.
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That's about what I've decided. I'm traveling pretty light to start with, just shorts and T shirts for 8 days. And I'll have access to a washer/dryer while I'm there so I can even go lighter. I always travel with my old underwear and socks and just throw them away after I wear them. I'm sure I'll pick up a few things while I'm there so I'll have more stuff coming back. Or, I can just mail it back home.
I could get by without a carry on but I want a change of clothes, meds, toiletries, in case my checked bag gets lost. I really don't have to check a gun because my buddy said he would provide me with a carry gun while I'm there.
 
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I used to travel almost non-stop for decades. Most trips were intercontinental, weeks/months at a time and required checking at least one very large suitcase. I carried a Tumi leather backpack with me that contained all my tech and whatever I needed on the plane (meds, earplugs, books, etc.). That worked for me until I began having serious back problems and wanted to stop having that weight on my shoulders.
 
Geezer said:
I always travel with my old underwear and socks and just throw them away after I wear them.

I could get by without a carry on but I want a change of clothes, meds, toiletries, in case my checked bag gets lost. I really don't have to check a gun because my buddy said he would provide me with a carry gun while I'm there.
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I do the same - old undershirts and socks I can just throw away afterwards. If I have old underwear on their last leg I'll do them too.

As for the carry on - Always have a carry on, for me its mostly entertainment reasons - tablet, book, notepad and pen etc
Never tossed a spare set of clothes in one though

Pack right and you can get by with a backpack and a carry on bag, Ive done it on 5 day trips before when I didnt have access to washing/drying
 
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